Prominent figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) are speaking out against what they perceive as the unfair targeting of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Led by Barrister Jesutega Onokpasa, chairman of the Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG), these party leaders are denouncing Bello’s public trial before the court of public opinion, contrasting it with the principles of justice in a court of law.
Additionally, the Ebiraland Youths Coalition issued a statement urging the Federal Government to safeguard Bello from harm, alleging that certain influential individuals, in collaboration with ethnic biases from Kogi State, are orchestrating efforts to endanger Bello’s life and tarnish the reputation of the Ebiraland community.
During a press conference in Abuja, Onokpasa emphasized that the ongoing scrutiny of Bello constitutes a targeted attack on a Nigerian citizen and former state governor, warning of potential repercussions for others in the future. He dismissed claims of Bello evading arrest as baseless and irresponsible.
He stated,
“The remedy against an order of court is to vacate the order or to appeal the same and most certainly not for law enforcement to thump its nose against the court and decompose into lawlessness and brigandage.
As usual, the EFCC has descended into grotesque unprofessionalism and playing to the gallery by taking what is beginning to appear as a persecution rather than a prosecution to the court of public opinion instead of lawfully canvassing it before the court of law.
“In the process, even the security details of former Governor Bello have been most rascally and illegally withdrawn thus exposing him to grave danger.”
He continued to say
“We unequivocally condemn this witch-hunt against a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a former Governor of one of the states of this country.
“We enjoin all well-meaning citizens of our great nation to repudiate these excesses even as we call on all sitting governors, former governors and all politically exposed persons to stand against this utter travesty.
“Today, it may be Yahaya Bello‘s turn but tomorrow it might be yours.”
